Access Office

Getting to third level is enough of a challenge for most students. There's the difficulty of choosing where to go, what course to do and then the hard work involved in getting enough points to take your place. For some, though, these aren't the only challenges that third level poses. Some students require extra assistance to help them reach their potential while in third level.

Academic supports are co-ordinated through the Access Office in the Institute for the following groups:

IT Carlow welcomes and values the contribution that mature students make to college life. We also recognise that students may have particular queries or special needs of an academic, personal or financial nature when they return to learning. A special Orientation Programme focusing on computer skills and returning to learning is run for mature students entering first year prior to the beginning of the academic year.

Students with Disabilities

‘A student is disabled if he/she requires a facility which is not part of the mainstream provision of the college concerned, to enable participation in the college to the full extent of his/her abilities/capabilities and without which he/she would be educationally disadvantaged in comparison to peers.’ (HEA/AHEAD, 1993)

The Access Office in Student Services co-ordinates individual academic supports for full-time students with special requirements. These supports may include the provision of assistive technology, learning support, additional tuition, exam supports or equipment.

Any full time or prospective student with a disability is encouraged to make contact with the Access Office as soon as possible to discuss specific needs and supports. The Access Officer will assess your needs, liaise with Academic Staff and co-ordinate any necessary academic supports.

Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia) :
If you think you may have dyslexia and have not been diagnosed, please read the following fact sheet containing the main characteristics of Dyslexia. clickhere>>

If you feel that you relate to this information, we would advise that you download and complete the linked Checklist: clickhere>>

For students who identify with the main characteristics of dyslexia, and a member of academic staff has noticed these difficulties we encourage that you bring your completed checklist to Student Services and make an appointment to see the Access Officer, who can offer advice and assistance.

Fund for Students with Disabilities
This fund is for students with disabilities who had specific academic support needs. The Access Office will assist students in applying for this fund, and will take every reasonable action to ensure that specific academic requirements are met and that all students are able to participate as fully as is practicable in their course of study.

Please note that it is the student’s individual responsibility to provide relevant documentation in relation to their disability from a relevant specialist, outlining the following:

The nature and details of the student’s disability

The impact of the disability on the individual

Recommendations for appropriate supports/assistance in third level

Useful Links
These are provided for reference only. IT Carlow does not take responsibility for the content of external web sites.